Vicodin Case Study

The drug chosen to study was Vicodin. Vicodin is a narcotic, in tablet form, that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It's basically a narcotic pain reliever. This drug is a mind altering substance that affects the brain. The brain reduces the strength to produce essential chemicals like endorphins. In result of the brain lacking these essential chemicals, the body feels unbearable to function without the use of Vicodins. Anyone who may become dependent upon Vicodins are liable to go through withdraws and cravings if they can't contribute to their addiction. This is what appear to be the physiological effects that the Vicodin has on the brain.

However, Vicodon's have a variety of side effects. They have major side effects and least side effects. The major side effects are shallow breathing that allows a person to have shortness of breath, slow heart beat, feeling light headed which may result in fainting, confusion, fear or frightened, unusual thoughts, seizures, and problem with urination. The least side effects are feeling anxious, dizzy, or drowsy, nausea or vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, headache, mood changes/swings, blurred vision, ringing in ears, and dry mouth. In some cases, the result in the major side effects will allow addicts to slip into coma and die.

Within the last 10 years, Vicodin use has increased tremendously. Most individuals that are exploiting Vicodins are privately insured. There was a study directed in 2000 at the addiction unit. Research shows that fifty-three percent of those admitted were dependents on Vicodins.

Vicodins appear to be a big stress factor in a negative way. Before actually using this drug, people worry about whether or not they will become Vicodin Addicts. The effects of Vicodins can cause harm to a person immediately after continuous use that can continue over time one a person becomes addicted to Vicodin. It causes stress upon the mind and body which can serious and deadly. When people check the ingredients in which the Vicodins consist of, people began to have doubts on whether its safe. One of the biggest stress factors of taking Vicodins is actually becoming addicted to the drug. This drug is combined with Tylenol and hydrocodone which is a synthetic narcotic pain reliever whose abuse may lead to Vicodin addiction. People tend to worry about dying once they begin taking Vicodins.

Numerous people die yearly due to drug addiction. The effects are tremendously dangerous where even minor effects can negatively play a huge role on daily life. In most cases people began stressing once they realize the skin problems that come with taking Vicodins. Skin problems that may occur are hives, skin rash, and swelling in the face. This normally happens due to the body trying to develop the Vicodin to ingest numerable toxins that are being used each day. Vicodins sometimes make it hard for people around the addict